Large crowd honors clergy and religious

Some 500 people attended the Clergy and Religious Appreciation Banquet held at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center on Oct. 30. Presented by the Knights of Columbus and the Bishop’s Guild, the event featured Father Leo Patalinghug, STL in the keynote address.

Father Patalinghug is a member of a community of consecrated life, Voluntas Dei, a Secular Institute of Pontifical Rite. He is the founder, host and director of "Grace Before Meals," an international apostolate to help strengthen families and relationship through God's gift of a family meal.

Along with his priestly duties, Father Patalinghug is the host for the TV show "Savoring our Faith" on EWTN, co-host for the radio show "Entertaining Truth" on Sirius XM Radio, bestselling author and contributor for newspaper and magazines. He is rated as "one of the best speakers for the New Evangelization."

"Through each of our vocations, we are challenged to bring the Joy of the Gospel to the lives of the people we see and work beside everyday. Our love of God is expressed by our love and service to each other and everyone we meet as the Body of Christ," Bishop Michael Mulvey said.

Ron Alonzo, President of the Serra Club of Corpus Christi, served as Master of Ceremonies. Edward Cantu with the Knights of Columbus led the presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance. Jim and Jackie Brannigan, co-chairs of the Bishop’s Guild gave the welcome. Father Francisco Lopez, Chapter Chaplain and Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Taft gave the invocation.

Father Patalinghug entertained the clergy, religious and guests with a cooking demonstration and a message that expressed faithful Catholic theology in a way that everyone understood and appreciated.

"I am grateful to all priests, deacons, consecrated religious and laity who have sacrificed greatly to build up this diocese named after the Body of Christ," Bishop Mulvey said. "God bless you this evening and may your faith grow rich, may our diocese become the home and school of communion as we continue together as missionary disciples living the 'Joy of the Gospel'."

Sister Michelle Marie Kuntscher, Superior General of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, gave the benediction to close the event.

Photos by Ervey Martinez.